As a member of the Association, you will receive the newsletter, Wake~Robin, where you will learn about how this organization is preserving the legacy of the great American naturalist, John Burroughs, who pioneered modern nature writing in America and be informed of the best contemporary natural history authors for both children and adults. These writings foster a love of nature as exemplified by John Burroughs. We honor and encourage exemplary writing each year with the John Burroughs Medal and the Young Readers and Nature Essay awards.

You will be notified about Slabsides Day events that enable members to meet with other outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy good nature writing and explore the nooks and crannies of Slabsides and the surrounding forest, streams and wetlands. Your membership will also support our web site were we spread the word about the biannual Sharp Eyes conference at regional New York State colleges, programs offered by our collaborative partner Woodchuck Lodge, Inc. and other events for those interested in nature close at hand.

Your membership help the Association protect and preserve our National Historic Landmark, Slabsides, and the adjacent almost 200 acre Nature Sanctuary. Slabsides, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is one of few remaining American Naturalists’ cabins. Our two grants from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and from the National Historic Landmark office of the National Park Service to restore the siding and staircases on Slabsides to its near original 1895 condition are the first grants ever to be given to the Association in its long and successful history. Part of any gift you might make will be applied to our association’s 50% matching obligation.

With our recently awarded Get Set Grant from Museumwise to develop a strategic plan and Trails Grant from NYSOPRHP, we have begun a long-term Sanctuary trails improvement and management plan that will restore existing trails and provide signage for our visitors.

Your participation and financial support will help us achieve these initiatives. Besides your own membership, you might consider an additional contribution, gift memberships for friends and relatives for the holidays and birthdays, or even a bequest under your will.

Contributions can be made online through New York Charities. They do apply a 4% fee, so it would be wonderful if you would adjust your contribution to compensate for the convenience of contributing online. See the table below for 4% adjustments.

*Literary Circle Benefites: Guest of JBA at Literary Awards Luncheon in April, followed by a private tour of Burroughs and NE Wildlife exhibits at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. Recognition in the Awards Program, WakeRobin News letter and on the JBA website.

**Slabsides Society Benefits: The benefits above plus tour and guided hike of John Burroughs Nature Sanctuary featuring its geology and natural history with a gourmet farm-to-table picnic lunch for two from Zegat-rated Global Palate restaurant. Recognition in Awards Program, WakeRobin newsletter, and on website.